Victron's Skylla charger range is designed for professional and commercial applications where reliability, power, and programmability are paramount. Unlike the Blue Smart range aimed at leisure users, Skylla chargers offer higher amperages, more outputs, and industrial-grade build quality. This guide explains the different Skylla models and when you need one over a Blue Smart.
Skylla Range Overview
Victron currently offers three Skylla charger families:
| Model | Protection | Outputs | 12V Range | 24V Range | 48V Range | Target Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skylla-IP44 | IP44 | 3 (1+1+1) | 60A, 80A | 25A, 30A, 35A | 25A, 35A | Marine / commercial |
| Skylla-IP65 | IP65 | 2 (1+1) | — | 25A, 35A | — | Marine / industrial |
| Skylla-i | IP65 | 2 (1+1) | — | 80A, 100A | 50A, 80A, 100A | Large commercial / industrial |
Skylla-IP44: The Marine Standard
The Skylla-IP44 is the most common Skylla charger for marine applications. It's splash-proof (IP44), has three outputs, and offers high charge currents up to 80A at 12V.
Key Features
- Three isolated outputs: Main output (full current) plus two auxiliary outputs (4A each) for starter and bow thruster batteries.
- Adaptive charging: Same proven Victron algorithm as the Blue Smart range, with programmable charge curves.
- Rotary DIP switches: Configure charge voltage and battery type without any software.
- VE.Can connection: Connects to Cerbo GX and VRM for remote monitoring.
- Robust construction: Aluminium housing with conformal-coated PCB for marine durability.
When to Choose Skylla-IP44 Over Blue Smart
- You need more than 30A from a standalone mains charger at 12V.
- You want VE.Can integration for monitoring via a GX device (Blue Smart chargers have no VE.Direct or VE.Can).
- You need professional-grade reliability for a commercial vessel or charter boat.
- You require configurable charge curves beyond the Blue Smart presets.
Skylla-IP65: Sealed and Rugged
The Skylla-IP65 is a sealed version for harsh environments. Available in 24V only (25A and 35A), it's designed for installations where the charger is exposed to significant dust, moisture, or salt spray.
Key Features
- IP65 sealed enclosure: Dust-tight and protected against water jets.
- Two outputs: Main plus one auxiliary for starter battery maintenance.
- Wide input voltage range: Handles varying shore power quality (180–265V AC).
- VE.Can for GX integration.
When to Choose Skylla-IP65
- You need a sealed, high-current 24V charger for marine or industrial environments.
- The installation location is exposed to spray, condensation, or significant dust.
Skylla-i: Industrial Powerhouse
The Skylla-i is Victron's largest standalone charger range, delivering up to 100A at 24V or 48V. These are designed for commercial vessels, telecom installations, and industrial battery banks.
Key Features
- Very high output: Up to 100A at 24V (2,400W of charging power).
- Power Factor Corrected (PFC): High efficiency and low harmonic distortion on the AC input.
- IP65 sealed enclosure.
- Parallel operation: Multiple Skylla-i chargers can be paralleled for even higher currents.
- CAN-bus and VE.Can: Full integration with Victron GX devices and third-party monitoring systems.
- Programmable via PC software: Full customisation of charge parameters, timers, and alarm thresholds.
When to Choose Skylla-i
- Battery banks above 500Ah that need fast shore power charging.
- Commercial marine vessels with large 24V or 48V systems.
- Telecom and UPS battery backup systems.
- Any application requiring more than 35A of shore power charging at 24V/48V.
Skylla vs Blue Smart: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Blue Smart IP22 | Skylla-IP44 | Skylla-i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max current (12V) | 30A | 80A | — |
| Max current (24V) | 16A | 35A | 100A |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No | No |
| VE.Can / GX integration | No | Yes | Yes |
| Number of outputs | 1 or 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Target market | Leisure | Marine / commercial | Industrial / large commercial |
| Price range | £60–£200 | £300–£600 | £700–£1,500+ |
Do You Need a Skylla?
For most campervan, motorhome, and small boat owners: no. The Blue Smart IP22 or the MultiPlus built-in charger covers your needs at a fraction of the cost.
You need a Skylla when you're charging large battery banks (400Ah+), operating a commercial vessel that needs monitored and reliable charging, or running a 24V/48V system that needs more than 16A from a standalone mains charger.
Summary
The Skylla range serves professional and commercial charging needs that exceed the Blue Smart's capabilities. The Skylla-IP44 is the standard choice for commercial marine installations. The Skylla-IP65 adds sealed weatherproofing. The Skylla-i delivers industrial-grade power for the largest battery systems. For leisure users, the Blue Smart range or a MultiPlus built-in charger is almost always sufficient and significantly more cost-effective.
